KYIV, 8 March: As of today, the United States has solely decided to act on banning all Russian oil imports to the country. Reuters reported the decision will be finalised in the coming hours despite the lack of consensus by European states due to rising oil prices since the implementation of multiple economic sanctions towards Russia.
Moscow has already been subjected to 5,532 sanctions by various world powers since the start of the invasion two weeks ago.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki noted that “no decision has been made at this point” by US President Joe Biden on implementing a unilateral ban, as Democratic and Republican lawmakers work on a draft bill banning Russian oil imports to the United States.
In Russia, the Kremlin is ready to halt its military invasion of Ukraine under multiple stipulations. The list includes that Ukraine ceases military action immediately, changes its constitution to enshrine neutrality, acknowledges Crimea as Russian territory, and recognises the separatist republics of Donetsk and Lugansk as independent states.
The Ukrainians are yet to respond to the stated stipulations but are prepared for another round of negotiations after little progress in Monday’s talks. Both foreign ministers of each country are expected to meet in Turkey on Thursday.
Total casualties of the war in Ukraine have continued to rise on the 12th day of the invasion with another 13 civilians killed by a Russian airstrike on a bread factory. An increase of shelling towards major cities has been reported with civilians caught between rubbles of destroyed residential areas.
In the wee hours of today, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has said his country will conduct a cease-fire at 10 a.m Moscow time to open up humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of citizens in Kyiv, Chernigov, Sumy, and Mariupol.
The World Bank in conjunction with the matter has released a statement regarding the approval of the US$723 million packages of loans and grants for Ukraine. President of the World Bank, David Malpass stated, “The World Bank Group is taking quick action to support Ukraine and its people in the face of the violence and extreme disruption caused by the Russian invasion.”
Over in Asia, China aims to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid despite not condemning the actions of its Russian ally. Their representative, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, had also praised its relationship with Russia, describing it as “rock solid”. – TVS
